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Saturday, May 29, 2010

What is a JRT Marine

Well, I belong to a wonderful group of people who have Jack Russells. In our many discussions it became apparent that JRTs make perfect Marines. They are loyal, faithful, tenacious, proud and always look good.

So within our group, Jack_RussellsUSMC, our little fur kids are considered Marines. So once in a while, My Cpl Abbott or Cpl Bridget will make a Sit Rep Report to the rest of the group. Here's the latest one.


SUBJECT: Nature Hounds Recon @ Eisenhower Pk

TO: Cpl JR Dugan and all the JRTs on the ground, in the air and on the sea and his boss too

DATE: 29 May 2010

Dear Cpl JR

Mama says I have to write this one cause she's 'a whipped puppy'. I think she's too old to be a puppy but that's what she says.

She got us up early this morning, packed all our stuff in the big car and put us in the back seat. We rode a long time and when we got where we were going it was really different from Fire base Cole.

It was reaaally rocky and everything was going up and down. It wasn't flat hardly at all. We met with several other Mamas and their kinds of soldiers. There was a medium black terrier girl, a big fuzzy Aussy girl, a medium sized black lab boy, a black/brown Malinois boy and a HUGE brown Dane guy. Everyone was really friendly except the Malinois who had a red wild rag around his neck. He growls at me and I growl back then Bridget jumps in and starts yelling at him that nobody messes with HER pack-mate. Mama and his mama pulls us apart and we all got quiet again.

Then we started the hike, Mama says it was NOT a walk. We walks awhile on kinda uphill path then boy howdy it got really vertical all of a sudden. Sometimes it was like big ole stair steps and that was hard but we could jump to the top and wait for Mama. But at one point it was like a ladder thing that reached about 3 times as high as Mama. Boy did she huff and puff on that one. She had to use her hands as paws and climb up that way, and we were trying to pull her up but we just couldn't.

Finally we got to the top but going down was just as bad. All rocky and gravelly and slippy cause the rocks wouldn't sit still. The lady with the terrier girl fell oops on her tail and it hurt her feelings. They walked with us for a little while but then they took a short cut back. But not Mama, she was the slowest one there even though we tried to help her. That left 3 other mamas and us.

The other ladies was real good on the trail, real skinny and healthy. But Mama and the us walked slower. Then, dad-burn it a rock rolled under Mama and she fell oops too. But she picked herself up and off we go again. The other ladies were waiting up aways and we all sat and rested for a little bit. After that, the Malinois lady and Mama walked together and talked about us pups. She found her boy in a park all by himself lost and alone so he loves her so much he wants to protect her from other dogs. Bridget and I told him we was once lost too, so we understand and we three got to be pals and nobody growled or nothing.

At the tail end of the walk Bridget pooped out on the trail. We had to wait for her to cool down and she drank a lot of water, almost two bottles. I only wanted a little cause I knew I was in charge and had to take care of Mama and Her too. We walked a little slower and finally got back to the trail-head and the big car. We all said good bye and we got into the big car and Mama turned on the A C button and the car got really cool. It was wonderful!

Finally we got back to Firebase Cole and we slept for 3 whole hours on the big nest while Mama and Papa went to see a movie thingy.

So, we all had a wonderful day except for when Mama went oops and Bridget got tuckered out. But now we ate dinner and we all feel much better. Mama says she's proud of all of us, including herself, for lasting on the Rough Trail at Eisenhower park.

Abbott Cole, Cpl, JRTMC
Cpl in charge of Firebase Cole


Just a quick note from me. It was a hell of a march and much rougher than I anticipated, and I embarrassed myself by falling, but I have a real sense of accomplishment for finishing the trail. Bridget overheated herself again by getting too excited and trying to do everything the hard way but she got over it quickly thank goodness.

I feel very lucky to have found this group and I'm looking forward to going out again.

Debi, too pooped to pop.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Cookie's story

A cautionary tale. There is no neighborhood that is safe.

A series of emails about a lost Jack Russell.


To: lostanimalsfound@comcast.netSubject: Lost Jack Russell Terrier

I hope I can get her back.
Her name is Cookie.
She weighs approx 16 lbs, 12+ years old, deaf and shakes alot.
She has an Avid chip.
White with large brown spots.
Docked tail, semi up ears
Her tags fell off her collar, but her collar is leather with brass cows on it as in photo.
Lost in a.m. of 4/28/10, Wednesday, from my home off N. Post Oak between Awty School Rd and Westview.
I really apprecdiate your help.
Regards,




Friends,

This is my neighbor’s dog. Please post far & wide to try to help get Cookie home where she belongs!!

I have also attached a flyer that can be printed and posted by all!

Please get Cookie home!




Subject: Cookie - 12-yr. old deaf Lost Jack Russell Terrier North Post area/Westview Spring Branch - still missing!!!Importance: High

Friends,
Cookie is STILL missing. Please continue to circulate and look for her! Her family misses her so much! Anyone that can hang even one of the attached fliers is helping so much! Each flyer hung around town – even far from where she was lost- gets the word out to more people.
Thank you!



Subject: FOUND!!! Cookie - 12-yr. old deaf Lost Jack Russell Terrier HAS BEEN FOUND!!!Importance: High
Friends,

I’m SO pleased to let you know that, after 4 very long weeks away from her family, Cookie is HOME!! Her family is beyond thrilled. J

Thanks to everyone for helping spread the word on Cookie.



Subject: FW: FOUND!!! Cookie - 12-yr. old deaf Lost Jack Russell Terrier HAS BEEN FOUND!!!

Cookie has been found!!! I emailed owner for details - she asked that I call her (which I haven't had a chance to do yet). Apparently someone found her and they were basically holding her for ransom!?!??! At least she's home and I hope her owner will now NOT let her go outside for any length of time and leave her to her own devices. She's old and deaf and doesn't need to go out for anymore than to pee/poop and back in.


Subject: Re: FOUND!!! Cookie - 12-yr. old deaf Lost Jack Russell Terrier HAS BEEN FOUND!!!
THERE IS A GOD AND HE LOVES JACK RUSSELLS!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for sharing the news. Hal-La-LOO- YA!!!!

Subject: RE: FOUND!!! Cookie - 12-yr. old deaf Lost Jack Russell Terrier HAS BEEN FOUND!!!

Well ... just got off the phone w/the owner. Check THIS OUT!! They live in a gated subdivision - Cookie didn't even make it OUT of the subdivision - apparently this people picked her up shortly after she went missing and have been calling the owner since day one from various pay phones asking how much she would pay for her return!?!? Then they'd hang up and the owner wouldn't hear again for several days. They called another time and told her they needed a new car! She said she wasn't buying them a new car. She didn't even know if they REALLY had cookie or just how crazy they were. Owner says they're crack heads and I don't know if she's just using the term or if that's a certainty. They got her back last night - the owner made arrangements to meet them in the parking lot of a hamburger joint and she paid them $1,000 for her dog. Cookie was full of fleas and skinner but she's home now and the owner has learned her lesson insofar as leaving the door open for her to go in and out. Owner said she had friends @ the parking lot in various places watching just in case. Good grief! I'd have gone there, too but I'd have taken a good friend who is HPD and about 6'5 to meet them. She did get the license plate of the car and plans to give it to authorities for whatever can be done.


Subject: RE: FOUND!!! Cookie - 12-yr. old deaf Lost Jack Russell Terrier HAS BEEN FOUND!!!
What a freak! I’d uv taken a hog leg!!!!!


Subject: RE: FOUND!!! Cookie - 12-yr. old deaf Lost Jack Russell Terrier HAS BEEN FOUND!!!Yep ...me too.


the end

A happy ending to a cautionary tale. Everyone please be careful and hug your little ones tonight. There are bad people out there.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

loose dogs and cats

I'm a little, well, perturbed comes to mind as a good description.

Out at the barn I board Scarlet at the manager is a nice enough guy. He lives on the property with his wife and his youngest son. He holds a green card which means he's a legal immigrant and is working to stay here.

I like him and his wife, though there is sort of a language barrier. I say sort of, because my John Wayne Spanish and his Ricky Ricardo English gets us through most conversations. He takes good care of the horses, so we're all happy.

Well, except for one thing. He had an adorable little Chihuahua mix. She ran loose on the property and was killed by a car. They have another dog, a white poodle. She runs loose too. I know she will probably have the same fate as the other dog. This really upsets me. And I mean a lot.

I had almost stolen Camilla, the Chi, because she was all over the place and I knew she wouldn't last long. But, good people don't steal dogs from others. Now Blanca is in danger. Not only from cars, but coyotes, rattle snakes etc not to mention getting kicked by a horse.

Technically, she hasn't left the property, so they're not breaking the law. But I also don't see tags on her collar for rabies and city license. She's fed, and she does get attention from everyone, but I'm still very concerned for her well being. After all, we ride past Camilla's grave several times a week.

It's a concern, but I have no answers. I don't know what to do.

We do also have a barn cat, but she belongs to the owner and is spayed, has her shots, etc. But again, cats don't seem to get hurt or killed as often as the dogs do out there. She's happy keeping the place clear of mice and snakes.

But Blanca, I'm afraid, will come to a bad end at a young age.

I don't understand why good people allow their pets to run into danger like this. Of course, lots of people do this. I don't want to get racial here, but a large number of Hispanics seem to do this around here. They don't seem to place any type of value on animal lives.

Like I said, I don't understand.

Doggie Dash and Russell Rescue

Yesterday I spent the morning at the Schertz Doggie Dash advertising for Russell Rescue. It was fun and maybe I did some good. Out of about 500 people, I guess I talked to about 50 and had good conversation with around 10 of those.

Talked to a Personal Trainer who wants a JRT as soon as son gets out of college and she can relax a bit. She took contact info for the future.

Talked to someone who just lost a terrier mix and they took info on a dog.

Talked to an older lady who didn't want to bother with raising another dog, though she missed her old dog (rainbow bridge) and loved terriers. I told her there are LOTS of older dogs out there that need homes. She got an aha look on her face and took contact info.

A lady walked up and announced she had 5 JRTs, one of which she just found. She's an ANGEL! Loved swapping stories with her.

Enjoyed Diamond Dachshund Rescue, and saw a twin for Abbott, except for slightly different face, different ears, and different tail set. Possibly from the same puppy mill. His name is Marty cause he's a parti...colored. No seriously, probably second or third cousins. Also saw a horribly scarred dog from acid on his back, and a baby puppy I think was from them also. Probably from a pregnant Mama.

Talked to Austin Boxer Rescue about white deaf Boxers. Too sad about what the AKC is doing to their dogs. Closed breeding is NOT a blessing, but a curse. So happy JRTCA refused AKC and best of luck to the Parsons out there.

Silvers came through with a donation of food. Lovely people, I went by later and got some alfalfa and wormer for Scarlet. They get my money every time because they are so good to RR. I was invited to the store on vaccination day to set up my little table again. Maybe some farmers who would want ratters will show up. That would be awesome.

Petco @ IH 281 also very nice. Donated some food too and helped me put table in the jeep.

Talked to a young man with a very bad Afghan Hound that he obviously loved. She was probably bred to the hilt but was too small, no curl in tail and had a coat like a dust mop, but he bragged on her for quite a while. I love watching owner and dog devotion. She obviously worshipped him too. So nice to see that. Talked of a Golden and a JRT abandoned at the kennel he got her. They rehomed the Golden and kept the JRT. Nice people even if they can't breed dogs.

Met lots of adopted/rescued dogs. Lots and lots. All shapes and sizes, one possible JRT/Dachshund mix. Very cute. Black mottled DH color but with Bridget legs.

Probably accidentally insulted Chihuahua owner. Big dog for Chi, looked heathy and happy. Again, long legs and good body. When I mentioned possible Rat/JRT blood I hurt his feelings, but the dog was obviously much healthier than a lot of the Chis there.

Very warm, humid day just wore me out. I was glad I didn't bring the pups. I couldn't have kept up with them.

When I got home, we went to lunch and then I came home and crashed for 4 hr nap. It was a good day.